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March 2018

Recipes

Homemade Cacoa Protein Balls | Recipes

 

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls


Chocolate Lover

Anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for Chocolate!

When having a healthy lifestyle it is all about making the right choices but also allowing yourself the things in life that you love but might not be so good for you… That flat white moment!!

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls


Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

You can get your little chocolate fix the healthy and clean way by making Homemade Cacoa Protein Balls!

These balls are made using cacao instead of chocolate which is full of anti-oxidants which protect cells from free radicals! Cacao helps the body protect itself. Do not get Cacao mixed up with Cocoa though… Cocoa has been roasted and therefore loses these wonderful anti-oxidants… so make sure you check the label!

These protein balls will give your body a much-needed energy boost and keep you fuller for longer. They also contain Maca – a superfood that boosts vitality as well as libido – loaded with nuts and sweetened with antioxidant-rich honey, these balls are the perfect snack to get you up and going and keep you full.


Recipe

Difficulty: Medium

Lasts: One Week

Travels: In Tupperware

Storage: Fridge (longer in freezer)

Ingredients:

  • 50g raw cacao
  • 100g oats
  • Tablespoon of Vega Essentials Protein
  • 150g almonds
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp maca powder
  • 3 tbsp raw honey
  • 100g almond butter
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 100g of 85% chocolate

Makes 12-15 balls


Method

#1 In the food processor, blend the oats, protein and almonds for 1–2 minutes, then add the cacao, maca and salt.

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

#2 Blend for 1 minute, then add the honey, almond butter and coconut oil.

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

#3 Blend, then roll the mixture into balls and put them in the fridge to set for a few hours.

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

#4 Melt chocolate in a bowl on the hob, grab a skewer and stick in the middle of the ball. Rotate the ball in chocolate to cover evenly

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

#5 Allow to cool and store in fridge till required

 Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

Tada – a stress-free snack loaded with protein, full of anti-oxidants and perfect if you need that little moment.

These balls are also great if you need a quick snack before a workout. Great for carrying in your bag to munch on your way to the gym after work!


For More Stress-Free Nourishing Recipes Click Here: Nourish

Balance

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

Do your muscles ache the day after the gym?

Struggle with the stairs?

Does it put you off going the next day?


5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

Here are 5 tricks I use to make sure I keep on track of my workouts and to keep those sore muscles at bay.

Rehydrate

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. You must replace the water lost in workouts so your body continues to function. When you put your body under stress it needs to be consistently hydrated.
Make sure you are getting at least 2 litres of water a day. You can make this more funky by having herbal teas (my favourite are Pukkaany flavour) or by putting lemon and mint in your water to add flavour!

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym


Foam Rolling

Foam Rolling lets you roll out those tight muscles. This is crucial when training with weights when your muscles are getting stronger. Foam Rolling allows you to take the pressure deeper – really working into those tighter areas. This allows you to work the tightness and get you back in the weights section quicker.
If you don’t have time to foam roll in the gym (plus you can look and sound very strange when you find the tighter spots)

I recommend buying a roller for home and spending 20 minutes when catching up on your favourite show.


Massage

There will be times, especially when starting a new routine, when you may need to bring in a professional.

Massage not only makes you feel better and relax but it also helps with muscle recovery. Knots and tightness can really impact your workout – so getting a professional to relieve the pressure can really help.

Having a massage can really help you identify injuries or potential problems which could be exacerbated by certain exercises.

I recently have been having trouble with my legs and neck. My neck and legs were stiff, sore and it was affecting my sleep.

I was recommended to get a massage ASAP!

I booked a sports massage to my house (amazing – I know!) using Urban Massage App!

The masseuse worked through all the layers easing the tension. I had no idea how tight some of the larger muscle groups were. Her hands were magic and by the end of the massage, my muscles had melted.

If you don’t have the time to go to a spa or are nervous about booking a massage – try using Urban Massage App
I have the app on my phone and have now started booking massages every couple of months to help re-align from training

For a little treat click here and get 10% off your First Massage!


Warm Bath

Grab those Epsom Salts and Lavender Oil and fill up the bath with warm/hot water and soak those muscles. If you have time the optimum time to relax those muscles and detoxify is 30-40mins.

If you find it hard to sit still for that long and wind down… take in a good book or listen to a podcast while you unwind.

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym


Sleep

The vital ingredient to any recovery!

No excuses: if you are not getting 8 hours you are not allowing your body to recover.

Sleep and hydration allow your body to work at its best.

Switch off your phone, turn off the tv, get into bed an hour early and read…meditate…relax and wind down and give yourself enough time to get in those 8 hours.

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym


For More Stress-Free Workout Tips Click Here: Stress-Free Workout